The knee is the largest joint in the body and carries the whole weight of your body, making it a common complaint from people of all ages.

The knee joint is complex and therefore requires proper examination and diagnosis. 

Chiropractors train at University for 5-Years and thoroughly cover assessment, diagnosis & treatment of musculoskeletal problems, which includes the knee. 

The knee Joint & Knee Pain symptoms

The knee joint is the connection of the upper thigh and lower leg, which is a complex area that is composed of an extensive network of muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones and bursae (fluid sacs). 

The knee’s primary movement is bending and straightening the leg, with a small degree of rotation. 

What are the Symptoms?

There a wide range of symptoms that can occur in the knee. 

Depending on the cause, you may experience the following symptoms:

  • Pain at the front, back, sides or deep within the knee joint
  • Swelling at the knee
  • Pain when walking up or down stairs
  • Pain when squatting or putting weight through the knee
  • Reduced movement or stiffness of the knee
  • Excessive clicking, crunching or catching in the knee
  • Feeling of instability or giving way at the knee 
  • Pins and needles, numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
Knee Pain

What are the common causes of knee pain?

Because the knee is a large joint with many attachments of muscles & ligaments, there are many possible causes for your knee pain. 

Some of the most common causes are:

  • Degenerative changes e.g., osteoarthritis
  • Traumatic injuries and sprains e.g., MCL or ACL tears
  • Cartilage injuries
  • Knee cap (Patella) injuries
  • Nerve injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries e.g., muscles, tendons, ligaments, bursa
  • Referred pain from the hip or the low back

Who is at risk of knee injuries?

Knee pain can affect anybody from a range of backgrounds but these are the common factors that may increase your likelihood of developing knee pain.

  • Older age
  • Previous knee injuries
  • Being overweight
  • Overuse or sudden increase in activity
  • Knee straining occupations

How do we help knee pain as chiropractors?

There is evidence to suggest that various knee injuries can benefit from a combination of manual therapy and exercise, with the aim of reducing pain and increasing function and strength. 

Our Chiropractors have a thorough assessment & examination of the knee.

We start with:

  • Full History and Examination
  • Range of motion of the knee and surrounding joints
  • Examination of joints and nerves relating to the painful area

If the examination indicates the source of pain is the knee, we will proceed with treatment.

If any further investigation needs to be performed, you will be referred for imaging (X-rays) or referred to your GP for further investigation.

To get pain relief & get you back to full function, we can use a combination of techniques such as:

  1. Chiropractic Adjustments (Manipulations & Mobilisations) – These allow for movement through the joints and muscles, and help to release pressure on the structures around the painful area.
  2. Soft Tissue Muscle Release (Trigger point therapy, Dry needling, Vibration massage) – The surrounding knee muscles may also feel stiff as they are protecting the painful area.
  3. Strengthening/Stretching Exercises – These can range from gentle/easy movements to more complex movements depending on your current degree of movement or discomfort you have. Our aim is to strengthen the surrounding structures of the knee so you can get back to your everyday life.
Knee Pain
Knee Pain